Failure to Maintain Comfortable Noise Levels at Night
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a comfortable and homelike environment by not controlling excessive noise levels, particularly from resident televisions and staff shift changes during nighttime hours. Two residents reported being unable to sleep due to loud televisions, with one resident specifically stating that the noise made him irritable and upset. Observations confirmed that television volumes were excessively high, with one measured at 100 decibels in the hallway, and staff interviews acknowledged awareness of the issue but did not take effective action to address it. Staff, including RNs and LVNs, confirmed that televisions were loud and could be heard from the front lobby, and that the noise should have been reduced after 10 p.m. to allow residents to sleep. One resident with hearing impairment required a higher television volume, but staff did not implement measures to balance this need with the comfort of other residents. The Director of Nursing, Social Services Director, and Administrator all acknowledged that staff were responsible for maintaining a comfortable noise level and that the facility did not follow its own policy regarding noise control. The residents affected had significant medical histories, including hypertension, depression, muscle weakness, hemiplegia, cirrhosis of the liver, and restless legs syndrome. Cognitive assessments indicated varying levels of impairment among the residents involved. Resident council meeting minutes and facility policy both emphasized the importance of maintaining a comfortable noise level, but these were not adhered to, resulting in residents experiencing sleep disturbances and irritability.